MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to offer Brazilian midfielder Anderson in part exchange for Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala in January.

Mangala is one of the most sort-after defenders in the world and United hope to see off competition from Chelsea and Manchester City by offering the Brazilian midfielder as a sweetener.

Anderson has largely failed to impress at Old Trafford since moving from Porto in 2006, and a move back to Portugal could appeal to the 25-year-old.

And Porto would welcome the return on the player who starred in the Primeira Liga before making the move to England.

Manchester United could use Anderson as bait to lure Eliaquim Mangala to Old Trafford [GETTY]

Manchester United will offer Anderson in part-exchange for Eliaquim Mangala

Porto are currently insisting that any club interested in signing Mangala pay the players £42m release clause, but United hope the offer of Anderson will see the fee drop significantly.

Monaco are the only club that has expressed a willingness to pay the full amount, but Mangala is thought to be resisting moving to his native France as he would prefer a move to England.

Manchester City are known to have made a bid for the player's services over the summer and Jose Mourinho is also thought to be very keen to bring the French international to Stamford Bridge, but it now looks like United may be in pole position to sign Mangala when the transfer window reopens.